camp sign

Programs & Education

Programs That Empower Cortland County

Cornell Cooperative Extension Cortland County (CCE Cortland County) offers a diverse array of programs designed to enrich lives, strengthen communities, and support a sustainable future. By pairing local insights with Cornell University's research-based resources, we create dynamic initiatives that address the most pressing needs of our county, from agriculture to youth development, health education, and beyond.

As part of New York’s statewide Cooperative Extension network, our work is driven by the goal of improving economic, social, and environmental outcomes. Every program is tailored to benefit individuals, families, and businesses across Orleans County, ensuring that the solutions we provide are both impactful and relevant. 
 

Agriculture

Two 4-H Youth participating in a cheese making workshop.
Cortland Harvest - Buy Local

Cortland Harvest is the new brand highlighting locally grown and produced food and agriculture products here in Cortland County. A collaboration between Seven Valleys Health Coalition, local producers and farmers, Cornell Cooperative Extension Cortland County, and Cortland Area Chamber of Commerce, has led to this new identification, allowing residents to easily identify when they’re purchasing a locally made product.

Cattle on a pasture
South Central NY (SCNY) Agriculture Program

Cornell Cooperative Extension's SCNY Agriculture Program serves farmers and rural landowners in Chemung, Cortland, Tioga, Tompkins and Schuyler Counties in New York State.

camp garden
Master Gardeners Volunteer Program

The Master Gardener Program is a national program of trained volunteers who work in partnership with their county Cooperative Extension office to expand educational outreach throughout the community by providing home gardeners with research-based information.

Contact

Chelsea Jones
Agriculture Team Leader
Master Gardener Coordinator
cjj44 [at] cornell.edu (cjj44[at]cornell[dot]edu)
607-391-2664

Horticulture

Contact

Chelsea Jones
Agriculture Team Leader
Master Gardener Coordinator
cjj44 [at] cornell.edu (cjj44[at]cornell[dot]edu)
607-391-2664

Community & Economic Vitality

Nutrition

Youth & Families

4-H Youth Program

Cortland County 4-H is the youth development program of CCE Cortland County. 4-H is an opportunity for boys and girls to learn and develop life skills that may assist them in becoming responsible adults. 

We operate clubs, community events, after-school programs, and a summer camp. Our focus includes developing life skills, encouraging leadership development, science education, agricultural and livestock skills, and healthy living. Want to join or volunteer? 

4-H Camp Owahta

4-H Camp Owahta operates during the summer season with seven individual week-long sessions starting last week of June through mid August. Each camp Session is one week-long, and offers 2 program options (Residential and Day Camps).

On Thursday of each week, a different theme will be the focus which gives campers an opportunity to use their creativity and imagination.